Process and machine for making tile



Oct. 27, 1925.

C. O. BRANDELL PROCESS lAND MACHINE FOR MAKING TILE Sheets-Sheet l FiledJan.

C. O. BRANDELL PROCESS AND MACHINE FOR MAKING TILE Oct. 27', 1925 10Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 30, 1922 C. O. ERAN DELL PROCESS AND MACHINEFOR MAKING TILE Filed Jan, 30. 1922 10 Sheets-Shee'd 3 C. O. BRANDELLPROCESS AND MACHINE FOR MAKING TILE Filed Jan. 50. 1922 10 Sheets-Sh9et4 C. O. BRANDELL PROCESS AND MACHINE FOR MAKING TILE kglad Jan. N

Oct. 27 1925- C. O. BRANDELL lnocass AND MACHINE Foa MAKING TILE Oct. 27

10 @Sheets-Sheet' 6 Filod Jan. 30.

Oct. 27 1925- C. O. BRANDELL.

PROCESS AND MACHINE FOR MAKING TILE Flod Jan. 30. 1922 10 Sheecs--Sheet-7 Oct. 27, 1925. 1,559,499

C, o. BRANDELL PROCESS AND MACHINE FOR MAKING TILE Filod Janv 30. 192210 sheet5gheet 8 Oct. 27 1925. 1,559,499

C. O. BRANDELL FROCESS AND MACHINE FOR MAKING TILE Filod Jan. ISO. 192210 Sheetsl- Sggest 9 Oct- 27 1925 C. O. BRANDELL PROCESS AND MACHINE FORMAKING TILE Fund Jan. 30. 1922 1Q Sheets-Sheet lo Patented Oct. 27,1925.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CLAUS O. BBANDELL, 0F CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO CARL A.CARLSON, 0F CICERO, ILLINOIS.

PROCESS AND MACHINE FOR-MAKING TILJ Application led January 30, 1922.Serial No. 582,534.

To all Iwhom it may concern.'

Be it known that I, CLAUS O. BRANDELL, a citizen of the United States,residing at Chica in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements -in Processes and Machinesfor Making Tile, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in processes and machines formaking tile and has for an object to provide a mechanism of thatcharacter iii which the aggregato of desirable consistency may bedelivered upon the pallet boards, the hitter being conveyed beneath thecharging point.

Another object consists in the arrange` ment and meansI for taiuping andsmoothin charges upon the pallet boards to the size and standardrequired.

Another object. consists in the prevention of jamming or crowding of theaggro ate while the pallet boards are receiving t eir charge and duringthe subsequent tamping.

Another object consists in the provision of new and improved means foi'applying a coating of coloring material or the like to the formed tile.

Another object consists in the provision of new and improved separatingmeans for separating each pallet and its tile fiom the succeedingpallets prior to the discharge from the machine.

Still another object consists in the provision of means to receive thepallet boards and tile from the machine proper and convey them away toany suitable collection point without interfering with the backing up ofsucceeding pallets and tile.

'Ihese and other oh'ects will be more fully explained and described inthe following specification and shown in the accompanying drawings, inwhich Figure 1 is a side elevation of my machine.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of a portion thereof drawn to an enlargedscale.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the tamping member and adjacent sideplates.

Fig. 2" is a horizontal and vertical section through the tamping membershowing the relation to the pallet and tile, the section being takenforwardly of the center of rotation of the tamping member.

Fig. 5 is a vertical longitudinal section i of a portion of the machineshowing the pickup and positioning of the empty pallets.

Fig. 6 is a vertical longitudinal section through the charging hopper,tampiiig mechanism and coloring mechanism.

F i 7 is a view similar to Fig. 5 showing the ischarge end of themachine and delivery to the take-o` conveyor.

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 save that the* arts are shown inelevation, showing the ischarge receiving or takeoif conveyor.

Fig. 9 is a vertical transverse section through the aggregate bin, feedroller and receiving funnel.

Fig. 10 is a vertical transverse section through the body of themachine, receiving hopper, etc. looking toward the rear c the machine.

Fig. 11 is a horizontal section through the charging hopper above thebody ofthe table.

Fig. 12 is a vertical transverse section through the table at the rearof the coloring mecha-nism and looking toward the front of the machine.

Fig. 13 is a perspective of a portion of the coloring mechanism.

Fig. 14 is a perspective of a portion of the pallet conveying andsupporting means.

Fig. 15 is a perspective of t e slide gate an'l blocks for filling thedepressions of the tile during coloring.

Fig. 16 is a vertical longitudinal section showing a detail of thepallet conveying and su porting` means.

ig. 17 is a perspective of one of the tilc iu inverted position.

Fig. 18 is a similar perspective in normal position.

- Fi 19 is a perspective of one of the pallet boards.

Fig. 2O is a vertical transverse section through a portion of one of thechains showing the method of attachment of 3the cross strips upon thehigher links; and

Fig. 21 is a similar view showing the method of attachment of one of thestrips to the lower links.

tit)

Like numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings in whieh2,3 indieates a floor or platform a sutlieient distanee above the bodyof the machine to permit the location ot a reeeiving ehute 2G, whiehdisV4 charges into the bin 2T which in turn is tapered toward the bottomat whirh it is open for discharge into the eharging hopper 28. The bin26 is tapered at its open discharge end QG, one side being provided witha pivoted flap or gate 26" to whieh is atA taehed and from whichprojeets the operating handle 26C. This handle in turn is provided witha locking serew 26"' having a portion projecting through the slot 2W andpivoted in the arm 2(3, whieh in turn pivoted at 26, and a lug 30earried by the member 3() of a suspending framework.

The rotatable feeding roll 31 is Iiournaled at its extremities and isearried upon the axial shaft. 32 to which is also secured the worm gear33. meshing with the rotatable worm 34, carried upon the shaft |35. Seieured to and rotating with the shaft'-i is the fast pulley 3G. A looseor rotatable pulley 3i' is rotatably mounted on the/sha t't A main driveshaft 38 is provided having the drive pulley 39. A belt 40 extende fromsaid drive pulley itt) and may be shifted either to pulley ltl or pulleySlT by means ofthe .shift -tl and slide, rod 42 having the handle 42,This permits in a well-known manner the driving or non-driving of the.shaft 35 with the eonsequent rotation or non rotation ot' the feed roll31. The latter is provided with the longitudinal grooves or reeesses 3l"and is adapted to elosely tit the,

diseharge opening of the ehute 2h. ll'hen rotating in the direetionindieated by the arrow in Fig. 9. the amount of diseharge trom ehute 2Gby the roll 3l may be varied neem-ding to the position of the flap 2Gb.thereby permitting regulation of the dis'v eharge of aggregate into thefunnel 2T and therefrom into the hopper 28.

Angle bars tl' extend transversely of and are seeured to the horizontalsupporting frame members WV earried by the vertieal frame members lit).see Figs. l-fl. 'lhe tun nel 2T is provided with bayonet slot 27K show nin dotted lines in Fig. t). for example. whieh permits engagement withthe Studs JW* earried by the angle bars see Figs. 't-Sl. The inner endsot the slots 27X are preferably lo 'ated substantially in a verti ealplane through the eenter of the funnel 2T. and the sides of the latterare eut away as indieated at QTY.

lso the upper side edges of ttt hopper 2T are inelined downwardly andrearwardly as indieated by numeral 277. This ronstrue tion permit;. theswinging of the Yfunnel 2T outwardly at the studs ll'l" until thediseharge end of the hopper is at one side of the charging box Qta' soas to disetiarge the aggregate on the floor away trom the nia,- ehine.should this become desirable. Alm by the use of the handle 27 the funnelma be shaken to elear any aggregate whieh naly lodge therein. There issull'ieiem elearanee between the top of the funnel 27 and the supportingtrame. to permit its being lifted or moved transversely for removal andviee versa for replacement.

The charging hopper 2S is earried between and by vertical uprights 29and is provided with reinforeing members '20" at the front eornersacross reinforeing strilis Q9. The rear end of the box 28 is inclineddownwardly.' and rearwardly from the top and is provided with the feedgate 28d lo cated on the inner face. This gate is prt video with alocking screw 28pr having a threaded handle 28', the screw extendingthrough the slot 28e' in the rear wall of the box Q8. Operation of thescrew and handle will permit the sliding ot' the gate upwardly ordownwardly and subsequent loelting in adjusted position. The gate Q8 isprovided with an overlying upper tlange 2* yto prevent its droppingdownwardly to interfere with the pallets. Carried at the inner fare ofthe gate QH* is the trame 2S* extending between the side walls oitlthi'l box LN. and attached to the t'ront wall ot the trame in* is thepartition 2S* acting as a dam or battle. its` purpose to be. hereinafterdeseribed.

The maehine proper eoinprisi-si xeztieizl staiuhzrds or legs ltlQwithtrame members ll--lz extending therebetween. see Fig. l. llxtendinglongitudimilly ot" the maf-bine are the side table portions lo".adjaeent whieh are the parallel strips lob. the legs tt). pol-tiens ttl1and sides ll and li forming side trame members. llxtending upwardly andinwradl) troni the strips ttl" are the sheets l0 upon nhieh are rarriedthe angle bars ltl"` ubit-h terminate at the rear end ot the hopper` thedepending fares lt!" o!n these angle bars eonstituting spared guidest'or the pallets whilepassing beneath the hopper. (Hee lfg. lo). Hideplates lo' .ire loi'at'ed at the sidesy ot the eliarging box QS ateither side oi'l the. ramping member i200, and lie lose to the sides of.sueh member to routine. the aggreate as it is beingtamped. 'l`he lowerportion-1 ot' these side plates 10r are curved. as' shown in Fig. tosuhstantially pre\ ent leakage of the material while being tamped.

tearwardly ot` the '.liarging box 2S the .side plates: ltl" are providedwhieh protect the ehain. sproeltets and other moving parts Vfrom theaggregate. eoloring material. and the like. see Fig. 4 and lil.

The standards 2W extend upwardly from and are seeured to the tableportions 10",' llt". imlar stnndaids or pedestals 29X are attaehed tothe rear wall of the box .See Fig. 4, tor eximple.

lil() Journaled in the side yframes is a shaft 75, see Fig. 1, carryingsprockets 76. A pair of these sprockets is provided located on each sideoffrthe machine. A pair of drive sprockets 77am provided at the rear ofthe machine andcarried by the shaft T8, likewise journaled between theside frank-s of the machine. A pair of conveyor chains T9 extend aroundthe sprockets.

Movement is imparted to these chains b v the mechanism shown for examplein Fig. l, wherein a belt 8() driven by pulley 80 and shaft 38,partially' surrounds and rotates pully 61 carried on shaft 82. which inturn carries a sprocket, 83. A chain Si extends from around the sprocket83 to and around the sprocket 85 which in turn is carried on the shaft86. carrying pinion 87, which in turn rotates gear 88, thereby rotatingsha l't 89 and pinion 90, which latter rotates the gear 91 carried onshaft TQ, see Figs. 7 and 8.

Extending across the chains T9 are the supporting strips 100` 101 and102. see F igs. 6-14 for example. These strips are arranged in sets ofthree, as shown in Fig. 14. with a relatively slight gap between thepairs of pallet supporting stripsl 100 and 101 to permit the moveinenttherebetween ot' a separatingr member. The strips 1112 are provided forcarriage of the separating nielnv bers. .These sets of strips arearranged in such wise that a pallet A, (see Fig. 19),

rovitied with depiding reussi-,1i lugs or iosses A,. A2. Am and A, willextend lietween and be supported upon the strips 100 and 101. seeFigs. 5and ti. with thii'oieinost lugs AL. A2. .supported upon strips 101 andthe rear lugs A A, upon st rips 1,00. Strips 101 are provided with pins101, see. Fig. 5, which engage and pick up the lugs A\ A2. to move thepallet with the conveying mechanism and to properly position it withrespeci) to the other pallets passing through the machine.

In attachingr the cross strips 100. 101. and 102 to the chains thestandard construction of the chains has been taken into consideration.In thesi` chains some of the links have sides which are tower than theadjacent link sides and inasmuch as the cross strips niust. bemaintained in a horizontal plane in conveying the pallet boards, it isnecessary to compensate for the link sides. in Fig. 20 I haveillustrated the method of attachment to the high side links wherein abolt T9 having the chan1- tered head 79"'is inserted between a pair oflink pins and through one ot' the cross strips 100. This permits asecure attach-r ber moved abruptly away from the, tile.

nient of the strip.

1n Fig. 21 l have shown the means of attachment for the lo'w side linkswherein a filler block 79x is pla;` ed between a pair of link sides withits upper surface on a plane with the upper surface of the high link thedifference. in height oty sides, a depending angle 79y extendindownwardly between the link ends. n this construction the bolts 79extend through the filler blocks 79X and strips 100 beinpr slightlyreduced in diameter for obvious reasons.

To accommodate the heads 79b of the bolts 79 certain teeth of thesprockets T6 are cut away at 76, as illustrated in Fig. 5, for example,while certain of the sprockets 77 are cut away as indicated at 77, seeFig. 7 for example. By properly selecting the chain and constructing'the sprockets 'I6- T7 with the proper number of teeth, the cut awayportions will always aline with the bolt heads during operation of theconveying mechanism will be apparent.

The ends of the strips 100, 101, 102 extend outwardly to the chains 79and during a portion of their travel in their upper run these ends ridebetween strips 1053-406 carried on the inner side of table strips 10",see Figs. 10 and 12. This provides support for the pallets during thecharging, tamping and troweling of the tile.

Carried by each of the strips 102 is the bracket 110 havin the u percani surfaces 110 on the space apart ugs 110, see Fig. 14 forexample,this bracket 11() being secured by machine screws 111, or thelike, to the strip 102.

Extending between and through the lugs 110b is the rod 112 havingenlarged head 112u atl one end, being provided with removable cotter pin113 at the other to prevent its accidental detachment. J ournaled uponthe rod 112 are the ears 114'L of the frame 114 which extends beneaththe strips 101- 102. At its front side 114b is secured a separatingblade 116 by means of bolts 116, see also Fig. 6, for example. Theseblades are provided with the tapered edge 11.6b and are of suchthickness as to pass readily into and out of the gap between strips 100and 101. 'lhe separating blades 116 are formed as shown with the reartaco plane and the front face in the direction ot' travel curved to theupper edge. The pivotal point of the frame 114 and blades 116 is belowthe plane of travel of the pallets and as the blades are moved fromseparating position after finishing of the tile, the plane surface ofthe blade will be moved downwardly on the. front end of the tileandgradually away from the saine, thus atiording a gradual withdrawal ofthe blade from the tile so as to leave a square front end on the tileand not dislodge or draw particles of the tile away by suction, as wouldbe the case were the separatinq inem- The are of the curved portion ofthe front face of the blades is of less radius than the radius of thearcuate travel and this eifects a clearing of the blade from the end ofthe preceding tile, the tile commencing its acceleration at or about thesame time, as previously de.-:cribe.d. lt. is also to be 'noted that theedge provided atr the upper portion of the. blade by this eonstmction isa meritorious feature of my invention, as, the same being closelyadjacent to the troweling and tanipin'g members during passagetherebeneath, the possibility ot small stones or gravel being wedgedbetween the separating members` and the tan'iping member or trowel ispractically obviated, together with the consequent danger to the.mechanism and tile. The resultant inclined rear erl ot the tile is noobjection. as this is the end ot' the tile which is covered in root'construction. The sepa' rating blades 11o, as shown in Figure 1t1 havetheir upper edges 116b cut away to conform to the contour of the tampingmember and troweling blocks so to prevent interference therebetween.From onel side of the frame 114 extends the arm llt at the end of whichis provided rotatable roller 11g. (oiled springs 120 are loeated aroundtheI rod 112 with one end pressing against the strip 10Q, the other endagainst the rear of the trame. 114, see Fig. 6. these springs serving tonormally maintain the frame in position with its wall 114(h oontactingWit-h the lower side of strip '101` in which position the separatingblade 116 is in its uppermost or separating position.

Secured to the inner tace ot' one of the side frames is the bracket 195projecting beneath'the adjacent chain 7), as shown in Fig. 10. At itsinner portion the braekct 125 carries the cam plate 126 see Figs. .fi-16for example. This earn plate 126 is pro vided with an upper flange 1261and a lower flange 126", space being provided between these flanges forthe passage of the roller 118. It will be noted that this cam plate 126is located adjacent the front sprocket 7G and it is so arranged that aseach sepav rating blade 11G. and traine. 114 are approaching' the tableof the machine from be- Neath, roller 11S will engage the forwardprojection or flange 126, which is so arranged as to maintain theseparatingblade 116'in retracted position. This is to preventinterference with the pallets waitingto be picked up, as illustrated iiiFig. 5, these. pallets being fed to the machine by hand or otherwise onthe tracks or guides 130. The springs 120 serve to maintain the. roller11S normally in 4Contact. with the tlange 12o which is furtherconstructed to 'permit the rise or advance of the blade 111i afterengagement of the. pallet lugs hy the pins 101". ln other words, aspallets are fed to position tor picking up by the conveying mech/.raisonfriction will maintain them statiorairy uitil pins 101 engage the lugsat which time each pallet is properly spaced from the preceding palletydieated in dotted lines in Fig. 'i'.

as shown in Fig. 16 for example. As stated, the upper cam flange 1%vpermits gradual rise or lift of the separating blades 116 after thepallets have been properly positioned. The lower cam flange 126b isprovided to positivelj.' move the separating blade to separatingposition in the event the action of the springs is not strong enough.

Similarly adjaeent sprocket 77 is provided a ram plate flo. see Fig.'i'. having the extended upper cam tlangell'd provided with tapered edge135 at the front as intlange is provided with a depressed or ollsetportion 135c at the rear, and its function, as illustrated in Fig. T. isto depress the frames lll and blades 11G through the rol- 1ers 11S. Thisdepression is relatively slight. being substantially the thickness ofthe flange 135, until th"e"otlset portion 135c is reached. which is thebeginning of the rounding ot' sprockets 77 by the strips at which pointit islnecessary to further de press the separating blades 116 to permituninterrupted discharge of the loaded pallets. braeket 125a projectingfrom the side traine supports the cam plate 135. Daring the preliminarydischarge of the pallets while the trames 1111 are rounding the.sproelret: T7, the pallets rest on the cam surfaces 110, normally aslight distance out of iontaet, and these maintain a rolling contactwith the under side of the pallets, as indieated in Fig. 7 and supportthe pallets at'tcr the strips 101 have passed from supporting position.This serves to support the loaded pallets during the interval betweenthe removal of the strips 101 from sul'iporting position until engagedand supported by the take-otl conveying mechanism. A supporting track138 (see Fig. 7) carried by bracket 138al and having tapered ends.serves to support the roller and thereby the separating blades duringtampingr and troweling.

ln the passageI of the pallets toward the discharge end ot' theconveying mechanism, it is advisable to withdraw the separating blades11G with a rubbing motion which smoothes one end of the tile. Thispreliminary partial withdrawal of the separating blade. is illustratedfor example in Fig. 7, where the flange 135 has effected a partialdownward movement of the separating blade 11G. At the same time, thetapered construction ot' the blade 116 results in a clearanee betweenthe following pallet and tile. It will be obvious that the pins 101n andstrips 100, as they pass over the center of shaft T8. (see Fig. 7,) willincrease the driving radius or leverage, thereby slightly acceleratingthe lateral movement of the pallets prior to clearance, which moves eachpallet and tile slightly away from those following and in order toinsure the wiping This un"V

Vof the end by such separating blade it is de sii-abby to have itspartial downward movement otnxr before the acceleration of the palle.Zc'gins, For this purpose the, flange 135 is extended toward the front ofthe machine Jfrom the center of shaft 78, a distance slightly greaterthan the length of the pallet, or at least greater than that portion ofthe pallet from the engagement of the driving pins 101a to the other endof the pallet.

At the discharge end of the main conveying mechanism is provided thetake-0H conveyor mechanism which comprises two main drums 150--151, seeFigs. and 8 for example. These drums are carried upon the rotatableshafts 150a and 151 suitably jourualed. Extending rearwardly from thetable of the main machine are the side bars 155 having the supportinglegs 156. Slidably carried at the outer extremities at the bars 155 arethe extensions 157 carrying the shaft 1503. Extension of theseextensionsI 15T is accomplished by means of the screws 15m, as shown inFig. S, locking bolts 160 serving to maintain the extensions 157 inadjusted position.

This provides means for maintaining the. proper tension. ou the conveyorbelt 161 which extends around the pulleys 150.

Mounted upon the shaft 151a is the sprocket. pinion 165 driven by thechain 166 from sprocket 16T carried on shaft 7S. A large drivingsprocket 170 is also carried upon shaft 151 and drives through themedium of chain 171, a smaller sprocket upon shaft 180. upon `which alsocarried the pinion 181, driving chain 182, which in turn drives sprocket18:1 carried by shaft 184. Rollers 10() are carried upon shaft 18() andsimilar roller,"I 101 are carried upon shalt 184, the upper periphery ofthese rollers being tangential to (he plane of the pallet bottonisurface. This driving arrangement is preferably operated ,to rotate therollers 11)() and 191 ai' greater peripheral speed than that ot thechains 175) of the main machine :ind these rolls are located so that thefront end of each pallet will ride thereon uniLbo sul'iported andadvanced by frictional contact until further iontact and support is hadfrom rollers 191. in which position the pallet is amply supported ioprevent its tilting. and lreiug moved at a greater speed than the formerpallets, the gap between is '-.videued surlicie'ntly to prevent contactwith the following tile. Rach palier is further odian-red over the rolls190 @101 ou to the conveyor belt 161, which convoys these pallezs andtile to any suitable collection point.

Located just at the, rear of the charging box 2i; is the tarnping membergenerally indicaicd by numeral fuif). This tamping men'iber is groovedor reeesses ou its under face to correspond to the transversc con- 'tourot' the tile to be formed. This under surface is provided with curvedportion 200* of one arc, this constituting a smoothing and shapingportion, while the tail 200h is constructed eccentrically with its undersurface 200, of contour approximating an arc of a greater circle, asshown in Fig. 6 for oxample. A relatively flattened portion 200 unitesthese two curved portions. At the sides of the portion 200* are thedepending fins of flanges 200", partially overl mg Side plates 10r (seeFig. 2), constructe and arranged to shape the sides of the tile. Thetamper 200 is secured to the squared portion 201 of the shaft 201 bybolts 202, or the like. Upstanding journal brackets 203 are provided,see Fig. 1, for exam le and the shaft 201 is (provided with cy 'ndricalportions journale in such brackets, see also Fig. 4. The shaft 201extends throu h one of the brackets 203 and is rovide with the crank arm201b to which 1s pivotally attached one end of the connecting rod 205,see Figs. 2-4, the other end of the same being eccentrically mounted inthe rotating disk 207, carried on shaft 208, which also carries pinion209, driven by chain 210, which in turn is driven by sprocket 211 andshaft 82 as shown in Figs. 2 and 10. This construct-ion imparts anoscillatory, or to and fro rotation to the tamping member 200. The tail,200 oi the tamping member is located adjacent the point of exit of thepallet from beneath the charging box 28, the gate 28d being normallyadjusted to a point higher than the thickness of the tile, see Fig. 6.This results in an excess of the aggregate discharging upon the alletboards as they emei ge from beneati the gate 28". The construction andmotion of this tamping member serves then to pat or tamp the aggregateto the thickness and consistency desired, also to the ap roximatecontour, further smoothing andp shaping l-,eing accomplished by curvedsurface 200 of the tamping member 200. The location of the partition 28'is such that too great an excess of aggregate is prevented fromaccumnlating at the point of dischar beneath the gate 28, which mightresult 1n a jamming or com acting of such aggregate with consequent)reaking or interference with the operation of the mechanism. In short,this partition functions as a dam to prevent an excess of pressure andmaterial at the gate 28d.

Located rearwardly of the charging and tamping mechanism, is providedthe coloring mechanism shown for example in Figs. 2, 6, 12, 13. Suitablesupports or standards 215 extend upwardly from the frame of the machineand support a tank 216 in which is maintained a supply of coloring,water-I proofing or other material for application to the surface of thetile. A discharge tube or spout extends outwardly from the tank titl'zitti at the botti/io riei'ifof over the telde, se@ hier. l1. forixwnple. thu lube brinsr drsignatrd tu.' numeral :il' llisrharp'e port:YST uit* molded ,in the bottoni of the tube r-ioxi'n.iolii; this tullethe rotataile .e isf'harfi: port dlri rejisiiablfwith poils Lli". .inoperating 1^eitauliedto*inwonerexiremiiv t @he mevr 'o i f.1irii:-rotaiion of :idiuslorfiit l'or li:-'rliar'ge or rotoli'perl'oleited plunger llt is mounted in the tube .l with a roi 22oextendingr outside olI tin lube 21T, see Vig. lJ. Sinre the pigment erother material frequently used is visi-ous or dense, it .some tiniesneifessauv to utili/.e the plunger :o assist the discharge oll therouting' material by reciprmfating it backward and forward.

Located beneath the tuhe 217 is the trough 225, see Fig. (fr 1T. forexample. This trough is mounted between parallel supporting strips i226,an angle 22o carried by the trough restingr on the rear trowelinrgrinember 227, thus limiting the downward movement of the trough which isremovable, sec Fig. 13. Troweling blocks 22T are prox ideii. dependingfrom and secured to the stripsy Q26. the lower surface beingr recessedor grooved to conform to the contour oi" the tile. Additional securing,rund spacingi blocks 22T are. provided at the sides ol' the trough 2:25between the blocks 227. slide 29,5 having the looped end Q25 engages theinclined rear Wall 225 ol the trough. See Fig'. (E, for example.

iii l.

This slide 22? is movable to cnt ofl or adjust the size ot the diseharfeopening in the throat 225" ot' the trough 22o. Slidalily mounted in thefront wall 1")3 of the trough '1225 is au adjaslubie plate 22.-,"carrying at its bottom portion thiiloehs glio tapered to conform to thegrroows t. t"u in the tile C. See Figs. ll'i and lh. The liloeli's 227are inclined slightly downwardlyv from front to rear and rounded altheir l'orward edge at 22T, see Fig. 6. to exert a .smoothing action onthe tile running4 iheieumler and to prevent cutting.r the same.

Located at each side of the table are the plates 245 carrying theupwardly projectingrr rods 245 with sparing bosses or collars 245 at thebottom thereof. see Vig. ll. Adjusiablv mounted ou thi` rods` 245" arethe rollars 246 provided with setsifrews 5247 to maintain :such eollirsin adjusted position. Extending outwardly from the collars 24o are theears 246 lo nach of whieh are pivotally attached parallel links 24S-240. see ["ie'ri. (L13. The parallel links 24H-2l0 are pivoted at theirouter ends to a vertical .strip 24o'. A holt or rivet 246" extendsthrough the ear Q46 and the lower portion of the strip 24o". alsothrough the end of the link 24S). llie roi-responding end of link 248 ispivotally attached to the Strip 246 and 8. locking' screw Lilli extendsthrough an al'Cllate slot 246f in the ear 246a and engages the upperportion of 246i This construciion permitsl tilting adjustment of the.strip 1244i together with the link arms 248 and the .supportedtrout-ling and coloring mechanism about the rivet 24.62 a locking screwfzln" lserving.: to lool: the mechanism in adjusted position. Thispermits the tilting?r olf the troweling blorks within a limited range.The ycollar l5 is provided with the l-farinfg plate 245C, which isintended to propeil)v position and guide the lower link arms 2li).insuring proper positioning,l of the troweling' and coloring mechanismwhen the same is seated upon the stud 2453. Pivot ally seem-eil to theother ends of the links lk-24U are the plates 250, each having a (lange25H secured to the ends of .strips 226. Set screws 32S provided withlocking nuts 225 thrcadedly engage the strips 226 and rest upon thetable strips 10" as shown iu Figs. 12-18, for example. These. set-screws.serve to limit the approach of the blocks 22T and associated mechanismtoward the table.

From the upper portion ol the trough leads an overflow glitter :260having.Y a downwardly inclined discharge portion Zool thereby rovldinmeans for removal of nu exi-ess o materia from the trough 2525.

Vlhen a, tile and pallet has passed from beneath the tamping member Q00,it is con` veycd beneath the blocks 227, which serve to exert a furtherrubbing or troweling nction upon the tile to smooth the same. one of theblocks Contactin with the tile prior to discharge of the co oring matterthereon. and the other snbse uently thereto, the, latter 'block servingto (iorre the coloring material into the surface of the tile. Thelocation and construction of the trough contain ing; such coloringmaterial insures the main tcuanee of a coating upon the tile. thehloelis 940 of gate 225e preventingr the nrcuuinlation of un excess offluid in the. grooves ol the tile. It; is to be noted that the sidewallsA of the trough 225 are extended downwardly at. 225* see Fig. 12,to close Contact with the sides of the tile/tto prevent excessiveleakage ot' the coloring material.

The means of supporting and mounting this coating: and tirowelingrmechanism is in etl'ert a parallel linlc motion. u'hieh latter permitsthe, rise of the blocks 527. trough '225. ete. should a tile passino;thereunder l-e of slightly ,greater thirhuess than normal. 'lhesupporting studs 22H may be adjusted to permit the weight of thismechanism to he exerted upon the. tile passing thereunder to exert adesirable eonipression. The parallel link motion insures vertical andnot rolative movement of the blocks Q27. so that their lower surfaceswill not rotate during vertienl movement., thereby eliminating anypossibility of cutting or gouging of the tile.

ltltl llt) It is relieved that the o ration of my machine should beclear to t ose skilled in the art from the preceding description, but tosummarize briefly, the operation is as follows:

Empt pallets are placed or otherwise fed to the ront of the table andpicked up by the conveyor chains and strips, and passed beneath t echarging box 28. During the travel beneath and through the charging boxa load of aggregate is picked up by the pallet and the same is tampedand troweled to the proper thickness and consistency by the member 200,after which the .tile asses beneath the colorin apparatus dining whichit receives a rther smoothing or troweling and a coat of coloring orother material. Preferably the tile are tamped to a thickness justcovering the upper edges of the separating blades 116 so that acontinuous tile surface is maintained from the hopper to the point ofacceleration of the pa. lets. This results in a smooth application ofcoloring and smooth surfaced tile, which readily separate at the bladeswhen the pallets are accelerated, thus leaving smooth square ends. Afterpassing the coloring apparatus the separating blades are partiallydropped and subsequentl entirely removed from interference with t e endof the pallet, after which it is passed from the auxilia conveying rolls190-191 and by such ro Is carried upon the conveyor belt 161, afterwhich it is moved to any desired collection point.

It will be apparent that my machine is susceptible of modification andimprovement and I do not wish to be restricted to the 'form shown anddescribed, except as defined in the appended claims.

lVhat I claim isl. In mechanism of the class described, sprockets,endless chains engaging said sprockets, cross members carried by saidchains, said cross members being spaced apart to support the palletsadjacent the ends ot' the latter, and separating members carried by saidconveyor chains and provided with portions movable into and out ofposition between the ends of adjacent pallets.

2. In mechanism of the class described, conveyor chains, cross stripscarried thereby, se arating members also carried thereby an having bladeportions normally extending betwecn adjacent pairs of strips.

3. In mechanism of the class described, conveyor chains, cross stripscarried there- "by, se arating members also carried thereby an havingblade portions normally extending between adjacent pairs of strips. andmeans to yieldingly maintain said binde portions in separating position.

4. In mechanism of the class described, conveyor chains, cross stripscarried thereby, separating members also carried thereby and havingblade portions normally extending between adjacent pairs of strips, andmeans bo move said blade members out of separating position.

5. ln mechanism of the class described, a frame, conveyor chains movablewith respect to said frame. cross .strips carried by said chains,separating members supported by and movable with said chains, saidmembers being provided with separating blades movable into and out ofseparating position between :adjacent pairs of strips, cam tracks,engaging means carried by said separating members coactable with saidtracks to move said blades into and out of separating position.

(3. In mechanism of the class described, n frame, conveyor chainsmovable with respect to said trame, cross stri s carried by said chains.separatin mem ers supported by and mova ile will said chains, saidmembers being;` provided with separating blades movable into and out ofseparating position between adjacent pairs of stri ps, cam tracks, saidseparating members being provided with engaging means engageable withsaid cam tracks the latter being constructed and arranged to move saidblades into and ont of se aratin position.

7. Kin mec anism of the class described. spaced frame members, conveyorchains movable therebetween, pallet supporting cross strips located inpairs across said chains the strips of each pair being spaced. thirdstrips extending across said chainsand separating membersvcarried bysaid third Strips, said separatingI members being provided with bladesmovable into and out ot' position between the strips of euch pair.

8. In mechanism of the class described, spaced frame members, conveyorchains movable therebetween, pallet snpportin cross strips located inpairs across said chains the strips of each pair being spaced, thirdstrips extending across said chains and separatin members carried bysaid third strips, said separatin' members being provided with bladesmova le into and out of position between the stri `s of each pair,spring means coacting wit'i euch of said separating members toyieldingly maintain said separating members in separating position.

9. In mechanism of thc class described. conveyor chains, pallet`supporting strips extending thercacross, other strips located betweensaid pallet supporting` strips. separating mechanism carried by saidother strips and comprising,r pivotally mounted frames, separatingblades carried by said frames.

10. ln mechanism of thev class describedy conveyor chains. palletsupporting).r strips cxtandis'r liereacross, other strips located belll) neath said pallets, said cams being operable to support suchpallets as said chain passes over said sprocket.

27. In mechanism of the class described, a pallet supporting' andconveyor means comprising endless chains and sprockets, said chainsbeing mounted on said sprocket, a supporting cam carried by said chainsb eneath said pallets, the upper surface of said cam being substantiallyconcentric with said sprockets. l

28. In` mechanism of the class described a pallet supporting andconveyor means, comprising endless chains and sprockets, said chainsbeing carried on said sprockets, a cum carried by said chains above theplane ot the upper run thereof, beneath a pallet carried on said chain,said cam being provided ivitli a cam surface arranged to suppoit asuperimposed pallet as said chain passes over said sprocket and toaccelerate the movement of said pallet while rounding said sprocket.

29. In mechanism of the class described,

-' in combination a conveyor mechanism, pallet engaging and supportingmeans carried thereby, a charging hopper loca-ted above said conveyingmeans, the ends of said hopper being s aced from such conveying means topermit t e passage of the pallets beneath said hopper, and a artition insaid', hopper intermediate the point of entrance and exit of saidpallets.

30. In mechanism of the class described, in combination a conveyormechanism, pallet engaging and supporting means/carried thereby, acharging hopper located above said conveying means, the ends of saidhopper being spaced from such conveying means to permit the passage ofthe pallets beneath said hopper, and a, artition in said hopperintermediate the point of entrance and exit of said allets, saidpartition being Vertically adjustable. l

31, In mechanism of the class described, in combination a conveyormechanism, pallet engaging and supporting means carried thereby, acharging hopper located above said conveying means, the ends of saidhopper being spaced from such conveying means to permit the passage ofthe pallets beneath said hopper, an adjustable member at the exit end ofsaid hopper to adjust the height of the material conveyed therefrom bysaid pallets, and a partition in said hopper intermediate the points ofentrance and exit 'of said pallets.

32. In mechanism of the class described, in combination a conveyormechanism, pallet engaging and supporting means carried thereby, acharging hopper located above said conveying means, the ends of said110ppcr being spaced from such conveyin means to permit the p of thepallets Iiencath said hopper, an adjustable member at the exit end ofsaid hopper to adjust the height of the material conveyed therefrom bysaid pallets, and a partition in said hopper intermediate the points ofentrance and exit of said pallets, said partition being verticallyadjustable.

33. In mechanism of the class described, in combination a conveyormechanism, pallet engaging and supporting means carried thereby, acharging hopper located above said conveying means, the ends of saidhopper being spaced from such cenveyin means to )ei-mit the passage ofthe pallets eneath sai hopper, an adjustable member at the exit end ofsaid hopper to adjust the height of the material conveyed therefrom bysaid pallets, and a partition in said hopper in termediate the points ofentrance and exit of said pallets, said partitions bein operablyattached to said adjustable mem er for vertical adjustment therewith.

34. In mechanism of the class described, a pallet supporting and movingconveyor, a charging hopper located thereabove, said hopper beingprovided with an entrance and exit for pallets carried by said conveyor,and a tamping member located adjacent the exit of said hopper and havina tamping portion arranged to tamp an shape the matei ial deposited onsuch allets in the hopper as the pallets emerge therefrom, said tampingmember being provided with fins at the sides thereof to shape and smooththe lateral faces of the material on said lets.

35. In mechanism of the c ass described, a pallet supporting and movingconveyor a charging hopper located thereabove, sai hopper bein providedwith an entrance and exit for palets carried by said conveyor, a tampingmember located adjacent the exit of said hopper and havin a tampingportion arranged to tamp an shape the material deposited on such alletsin the hopper as the pallets emerge thbrefrom, said tamping member beingmounted for oscillation about a center, the tamping portion of saidmember being eccentric with respect to said center, and side extensionslocated at the rear end of said ho per to confine the material depositedon tide pallets passing therethrough during the tainpmg of saidmaterial.

36. In mechanism of the class described, a pallet supporting and movingconveyor, a charging hopper located thereabove, said hopper beingprovided with an entrance and exit for pallets carried by said conveyor,a tamping member located adjacent the exit of said hopper and having atamping portion arranged to temp and sha e the material deposited onsuch pallets in tiie hopper as the pallets emerge therefrom, saidtamping member being mounted for oscillation about a center, thetauiping por.

tion of said member being eccentric with reil t) spect to said centerand side extensions located at the rear end ol said hopper to continethe material deposited on the pallets passing therethrough during thetamping ot said material, said tamping member being provided withconcentric tins at the sides thereof rearwardly ol' said side extensionsot the hopper to shape and smooth the sides otl the material carried onsaid pallets.

37. In mechanism of the class described, a tamping member, means tepivotally Support such member for oscillatory movement, said memberbeing provided with a concentric smoothing: portion and an eccentrictampingq portion. said tamping member being further provided with tinsto shape the sides of a tile.

ln mechanism of the class described, a tamping member, means topivotally support such member tor oscillatory movement, said memberbeing provided with a concentric smoothingv portion and an eccentrictampinpr portion, said tamping' member bcing' further prmidrtl withconcentric tins depending from the ctmccntric portion to shape thilsides oll a tile or the like, andy means to oscillate said Iampingmember about its pivotal support.

It. ln mechanism oi' thc class described, an open bottomed cl1ar 1;'in;hopper havnngr an exit, for sinn-ging pallets. a iamping member tuning atampino portion located outsidt` of and adjacent thc said point of exitand means to regulate thtl size ol' said exit and thereby the amount ot'material emerging therefrom on a pallet or the like, plates ent ndingi,rrcaru'ardh otl the hopper ou either side ot said ramping member tocontne the material on said pallets during the tampingr thereof.

40. ln mechanism of the class described, a. charging` hopper having anexit for charged pallets. a tan'iping member havingr a tampingr portionlocated adjacent the said point, ol' exit and means to regulate the sizeof said exit and thereby' the amout of material. emerging therefrom on apallet or the like, plates extending rearwardly of the hopper on eitherside ot said tamping member to confine the material on said palletsduring the' tamping thereof, said tamping;` member being provided withshaping tins at the sides thereof overlying portions of said extensions.

Ll1. In mechanism of the class described, pallet supporting andconveying means, troweling.,r means comprising a trowellng member andmeans to support the same said last named means being;r constructed andarranged to permit: vertical non-rotary movement ot said trowelingmember.

42. In mechanism of theclass described, a troweling means comprising atroweling member, u, support therefor, and a parallegram mechanism forattachment of saici troweling member to said support to permit verticalnon-rotary movement. of said member.

43. In mechanism of the class described, troweling means comprising atroweling member, attaching means therefor to permit vertical non-rotarymovement of said troweling member, and means to angularly adjust theposition of said v'troweling member.

44. In mechanism of the class described. a post, a troweling member,means to attach said troweling member to said post, said meanscomprising a collar having a flanged portion and parallel linkspivotally attached to said troweling member to permit vertical movementof the latter.

45. In mechanism of the class described, a post, a collar apertured toengage said post, said collar bein provided with a flange, a plateattachedgto said flange, and angnlarly adjustable with respect thereto,parallel arms pivoted to said plate, and a troweling member, bracketsattached there' to. said parallel links being also pivotally attached tosaid brackets.

lo/In mechanism of the class described, troweling means comprising Hxedposts, collars apertnred to engage said osts, flanges carried by saidcollars, a pair of spaced troweling members, brackets connectinf,r saidtron-cling members, and paralle! links pivotally attached to andextendiing between said brackets and said collar l UIQ'CS.

l?. In mechanism of the class described, a vertically movable trowelingmember, a trough located rearwardly of said troweling member and movabletherewith, said trough being,r open at the bottom.

48. VIn mechanism of the class described, a vertically movable trowelingmember, a trough located rearwardly of said troweling member and movabletherewith, said trough being open at the bottom, and means to re ulatethe discharge of coloring materiagl, from said trough.

49. In mechanism of the class described, a vertically movable trowelingmember, a trough located rearwardly of said troweling member and movabletherewith, said trough bein open at the` bottom. and means to regu atethe discharge of coloring man teria] or the like from said trough, saidlast named means comprising a slidable ate. g 50. In mechanism of theclass described, a trough having an open bottom constructed to conformto the rofile of a tile passing,r therebeneath, the ont and back of saidtrough at the bottom thereof having dependA ing,r portions to ride indepressions in such tile, and a vertically adjustable plate, blocks`carried by said plate adapted to move into

